WhatsApp users hit by fake Father's Day deals! Don't fall for them; Do THIS now

During Father's Day, people look for deals online for gifting but this time, cybercriminals are targeting WhatsApp users with a dangerous scam. Two fake texts, allegedly from beer giants Heineken or DIY retailer Screwfix in the UK, that offer freebies to users are spreading on WhatsApp. The bogus messages claim to offer a free Heineken beer or a DeWalt Combi Drill from Screwfix as a Father's Day deal this weekend, an Express report informed. However, this is a scam and is intended to steal sensitive data of WhatsApp users. Once the hackers manage to receive the personal information of WhatsApp users, it can be used for identity fraud or even stealing money out of their accounts.

As soon as reports of fake messages came in, both Heineken and Screwfix confirmed that these messages are fake and alerted WhatsApp users to stay away from such messages. Heineken says, "We're aware of the current phishing scam circulating through social networks, which is not sanctioned by Heineken. We have alerted the relevant authorities." Similarly, Screwfix confirmed the awareness of the fake messages circulating online, hence tweets, "We are aware of fake messages circulating via WhatsApp and other social channels using Screwfix branding. Also read: Hackers can steal your WhatsApp account through this nasty phone call; know how

How to spot fake messages on WhatsApp

• Check for the typos or grammatical errors in a message. Fake messages usually end up making mistakes.
• If the message poses an urgent request to send over sensitive or financial data, be alert!
• If the message is directed to an external website via a link.
• Check the sender's contact details.

What WhatsApp users should this NOW

• It is suggested for WhatsApp users to delete the messages as soon as possible.
• While speaking about scams, Screwfix's official Twitter handle advised WhatsApp users to not click on any links or share such bogus messages with their contacts.
• If you think that you have been conned and fall into the trap of a scam, then you should report to Action Fraud immediately.
• WhatsApp also suggested reporting the messages to the chat app, so that WhatsApp can review such messages for spam or abuse.